Genesis 16:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 16:2 mean?

Genesis 16:2 describes Sarai telling Abram that she cannot have children and suggesting that he have a child with her maid, hoping this will allow her to have a family through the maid. Abram listens to Sarai’s request and agrees to her plan.

In this verse, Sarai is speaking directly to Abram because she feels unable to bear children herself. She proposes that Abram “go in unto” her maid, meaning to have a child with her servant, so that Sarai might “obtain children by her.” This sets the stage for the birth of Ishmael and shows Sarai’s struggle with waiting for God’s promise of offspring.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 16:2

• “restrained me” — עָצַר (ʿatsar): This word means to hold back or prevent. Sarai is expressing that she believes the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH) has prevented her from having children, showing her sense of frustration and helplessness.
• “maid” — שִׁפְחָה (shifchah): This word refers to a female servant or slave. Sarai’s plan involves her own servant, highlighting the social customs of the time where a servant could bear children on behalf of her mistress.
• “may obtain children” — בָּנָה (banah): This verb usually means “to build,” but here it is used in the sense of “building a family” or “having children.” Sarai hopes to “build herself up” through her maid, showing her desire for a family even if it is not through her own body.
• “hearkened” — שָׁמַע (shamaʿ): This word means to listen or obey. Abram’s response shows he is willing to follow Sarai’s suggestion, which will have significant consequences for their family story.

Why Genesis 16:2 matters

• Genesis 16:2 shows the human struggle with waiting for promises and the temptation to take matters into one’s own hands, which is a recurring theme in the Abraham story.
• The verse makes clear that Sarai’s suggestion was not an act of rebellion but a culturally accepted solution for childlessness at the time, helping modern readers understand the context.
• This verse sets up the events that follow, including the birth of Ishmael, and highlights the complex relationships and emotions involved in Abram and Sarai’s journey.